---
title: "Configuring NordLayer system extensions on macOS"
slug: "configuring-nordlayer-system-extensions"
updated: 2026-04-30T11:15:17Z
published: 2026-04-30T11:15:17Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.nordlayer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configuring NordLayer system extensions on macOS

Due to the way macOS handles device security, NordLayer requires manual approval for certain system extensions and permissions to function correctly.

Enabling these permissions ensures you can fully utilize essential features, including the NordLynx tunneling protocol and Download Protection security feature.

## Step 1: Enable Security and Network Extensions

These extensions are required for the NordLynx protocol to establish a secure and stable VPN connection on your Mac.

1. Open **System Settings** on your Mac.
2. In the left sidebar, click on **General**.
3. Select **Login Items & Extensions** on the right side of the window.
4. Locate **NordLayer** in the list of applications.
5. Click the **i** icon.
6. Toggle the switch to **On** for both of the following:
  1. Endpoint Security Extensions
  2. Network Extensions

Note

You may be prompted to enter your Mac administrator password or use Touch ID to authorize these changes.

## Step 2: Enable Full Disk Access

This permission is strictly used by the Download Protection feature to scan the files you download for malware and potential threats.

1. Open **System Settings** on your Mac.
2. In the left sidebar, click on **Privacy & Security**.
3. Scroll down and select **Full Disk Access**.
4. Locate **NordLayer** and **Download Protection** in the list of apps.
5. Toggle the switch to the **On** position to grant access.

Once both steps are complete, your NordLayer application will be fully optimized and ready to protect your device.

Note

You may need to restart NordLayer after enabling this permission for the Download Protection feature to activate.

---

**Note**: In case you have any questions or are experiencing any issues, please feel free to contact our [24/7 customer support team](https://help.nordlayer.com/how-do-i-contact-nordlayer-customer-support).